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July 2007
TURF RUNDOWN
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by Albrect Koppenhofer, Rutgers University, 2006 USGA Turfgrass and Environmental Research Summary
Presently available species of entomopathogenic nematodes provide only limited control of most of the important white grub species. The recently discovered Steinernema scarabaei has exceptionally high virulence against a wide range of white grub species and is effective and persists very well in wide range of soil types and soil moisture levels. While previous studies have shown the exceptional efficacy of S. scarabaei as a curative control agent, this study addresses its potential for long-term suppression of white grubs with special interest to low application rates. Click here to view the study.
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The 2-Minute Tip for Success
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By John C. Maxwell, March 2007
It’s happened to all of us. We’re blazing through conversation when we realize we’re not getting cues, (uh-huh, yeah, yep, ok), from our friend on the other end of the call. Uncertain, we ask whether or not our buddy remains on the call: “Hello? Are you there? Can you hear me?” The ensuing silence prompts us to look at our phone. Sure enough, the call has been dropped.
As frustrating as a dropped call can be, given the complexity mobile phone communications, we are not overly surprised when we occasionally are cut off from a conversation. At some level, we understand the limitations of network bandwidth, battery life, and signal strength.
While dropped calls are explainable, few experiences are as demeaning or insulting as being dropped in face-to-face conversation. When we’re talking to a person who tunes us out, we feel worthless. When a listener’s posture or facial expressions show boredom or disinterest, we feel insignificant. Similarly, we are annoyed by ceaseless interruptions or being cut short when speaking.
Something inside of us demands to be heard, to be acknowledged, and to know that our ideas and opinions matter. Great leaders have mastered the art of listening, and by doing so, they gain wisdom, earn respect, and win friends. In its February 2007 edition of Leading Effectively, The Center for Creative Leadership summarizes six listening tips from author Michael Hoppe.
Paying Attention
One of the greatest gifts a leader can give is his or her undivided attention. As simple as it sounds, in practice, paying attention can take a heavy dose of discipline. Whether we’re thinking about an upcoming meeting or an urgent phone call, our minds are cluttered with dozens of thoughts at any point during the day. To offer full attention in conversation, Hoppe suggests:
• Allowing time and opportunity for the other person to think and speak.
• Being present, focused on the moment, and operating from a place of respect.
Holding Judgment
By nature, leaders initiate action. However, when listening, leaders must be wary of jumping in too soon with their assessment of a situation. Being overeager to voice an opinion communicates self-importance. Instead, Hoppe proposes the following:
• Be open to new ideas, new perspectives and new possibilities.
• Suspend judgment, withhold criticism, and avoid arguing or selling your point right away.
Reflecting
In reflecting, the listener affirms the person speaking by matching their emotional tone and restating important themes from the conversation. Reflecting reinforces a listener’s involvement and interest in a conversation. Hoppe weighs in with the following tips on reflecting:
• Mirror the other person's information and emotions by paraphrasing key points.
• Don’t make assumptions.
Clarifying
In communication, when intent differs from interpretation, the misunderstanding can have troubling consequences. Hoppe recommends clarifying by:
• Clearing up confusion.
• Inviting reflection and a thoughtful response instead of telling others what to do.
Summarizing
Without outlining action steps or assigning responsibility, many meetings conclude in confusion. As a conversation draws to a close, be sure to review promises made and to write down commitments given. Hoppe’s tips on summarizing include:
• Restating key themes.
• Being clear on mutual responsibilities and follow-up.
Sharing
Leaders are confident, decisive, and quick to volunteer advice. However, when listening, a leader’s first job is to gain full understanding of the person speaking. Then, and only then, should the leader begin to coach or instruct. Hoppe proposes two tips to remember when sharing:
• Seek understanding before seeking to be understood.
• Use similar experiences to introduce ideas, feelings, or suggestions.
“The greatest compliment that was ever paid me was when one asked me what I thought, and attended to my answer.”
Henry David Thoreau
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News You Can Use
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STMA’s highest honors, the four Founders Awards, recognize those members who have made significant contributions to STMA and to the profession. Think about those who have made a difference in your career and the careers of your peers and nominate one or more for a Founders Award. Click here to nominate a worthy member.
The Dick Ericson Award - Ericson made significant contributions to the Sports Turf Managers Association, including serving as its first President in 1981-1982. The award is presented to someone who:
• plans and executes the sports turf management of their facility
• effectively leads their team to accomplish their goals in field maintenance, and
• positively impacts the sports turf industry.
Nominees must meet the following criteria:
• At least five years of service in a sports field-related position.
• Member of STMA
• Job performance and work ethic that consistently meets or exceeds expectations
• Management techniques that make the most of existing resources.
• Efficient and effective personnel management.
• Constantly improves the management program, introducing creative and innovative ideas to enhance the field management program.
• Receptive to ideas and creative skills of staff members and other industry professionals
• Supportive of and works to increase professionalism within the sports turf industry.
Dr. William H. Daniel Award - Daniel set the pattern for educator/researcher involvement in STMA. This award recognizes member who has made significant contributions to the sports turf industry through his or her research, teaching or extension outreach. Those nominated may be highly visible or behind-the-scenes.
The criteria for Teaching and Extension Nominees includes:
• Member of STMA
• Developed and/or executed teaching or extension programs relevant to the sports turf industry and enhanced the understanding of the industry
• Created teaching and/or extension programs that provide technical background and/or practical training
• Teaching programs channel outstanding individuals to the sports turf industry
• Extension programs assist in improving quality of sports turf areas
The criteria in for Research Nominees includes:
• Member of STMA
• Conducted research relevant to the sports turf industry
• Research enhanced the understanding of the sports turf industry
• Research has practical implications
• Research was published in a professional journal
George Toma Golden Rake Award - Toma has served and continues to serve as a mentor for many of those in the sports turf industry. He continues to emphasize the importance of the entire crew in effective sports turf management. The Award acknowledges the superior performance of a sports turf crew member in “on the job” activities and in community service.
Nominees must meet the following criteria:
• Member of STMA
• At least two years of service in a sports field-related position
• Job performance that consistently meets or exceeds expectations
• Work ethic that consistently meets or exceeds expectations
• Offers ideas and brings creative skills to the department in a professional manner
• Assists in additional non-job related sports events and activities for the community
• Is a true believer in the “and then some” tradition of grounds maintenance.
Harry C. Gill Memorial Award - Gill was STMA’s second President and was committed to the sports turf profession and nurtured the young STMA organization. The Award was established to honor an individual for their hard work in the sports turf industry and to acknowledge their dedication to STMA.
Nominees must meet the following criteria:
• STMA Membership
• Outstanding ability and commitment to the sports turf industry
• Professional involvement and service to the STMA on a local, regional and national level
• Professional leadership in promoting STMA, its members and the sports turf industry
• Contribution of written communications in articles, magazines, manuals, legislation and/or research
Upcoming STMA Conference to Feature New Programs and Adjusted Schedule
As we rapidly approach the STMA Conference and Exhibition in Phoenix, Ariz., the STMA Conference Committee has finalized some expansion and changes to the events, scheduled for Jan. 15-19, 2008. The Committee and the STMA Board stepped up to the challenge to provide you with more education, more value, and more fun!
First of all, the SAFE/Jacobsen Golf Tournament will be moved to Tuesday, Jan. 15, opening up Wednesday, Jan. 16 for a new set of Institutes and Pre-Conference Workshops. Both new sessions are scheduled during the day, before the Networking Sessions that afternoon and the Welcome Reception that evening, which signals the official beginning of the conference. The Pre-Conference Workshops will be included with an individual’s conference registration, but the Institutes will charge a nominal fee for attendance.
On Thursday, the General Session has been moved back into its original time slot in the morning, after a one-year experiment having it right after lunch. Another highlight of the conference every year, the General Session this year will feature “Extraordinaist” Craig Karges, who will dazzle you with his abilities and challenge what you think is possible. Or impossible!
Friday morning will feature the new Innovative Sessions, scheduled early before the Friday General Session, and bring to light some truly unique ideas and methods. The Friday General Session, which is another new addition to the conference lineup, honors Dr. Henry Indyk and Dr. Kent Kurtz, and are the first plenary presentations in the history of the STMA Conference.
And last, but most certainly not least, the MLB/NFL/MLS Seminar will be Saturday, Jan. 19. The Seminar is an offsite seminar that features the best practices of those Sports Turf Managers who have made it to the highest level of the profession.
Not to forget that the STMA Exhibition provides over 9 hours of dedicated time on Thursday and Friday to view the newest equipment and products in the industry and includes a new Mound Building demonstration on the floor!
With the SAFE/Jacobsen Golf Tournament at a location to be determined, the SAFE Live and Silent Auctions, and the STMA Awards Banquet, you can see it is to be a week packed with many educational opportunities, quality networking, vendor contact, and countless memories for all who attend. Log on to www.stma.org or call 800.323.3875 for more information. We look forward to seeing you in Phoenix!
Make your hotel reservations today! Click here to reserve your room at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix for STMA's 2008 Conference & Exhibition in Phoenix, Ariz.
STMA Field of the Year Program: Take Pride in Your Profession
Now is the perfect time to prepare your STMA Field of the Year Application. The deadline for materials to be received at STMA headquarters is October 15, 2007 . STMA’s prestigious Field of the Year program is in its 16th year and is getting stronger every year. With record numbers of applicants the last two years, competition is stiff! But with hard work and diligence, each and every STMA member has a field that could become Field of the Year. STMA presents awards in baseball, softball, football, and soccer categories and High School/Parks and Rec, College and University, and Professional levels.
Each Field of the Year Award winner is presented with a special plaque at the STMA Awards Banquet, held each year at the STMA Conference and Exhibition. This year, the Awards Banquet will be the evening of Friday, Jan. 18, 2008 in Phoenix, Ariz. In addition to the plaque, each STMA Field of the Year winner will receive free conference registration, up to $500 towards lodging at the conference, STMA signature apparel, and a feature article in the official publication of STMA, SportsTurf Magazine. These awards are generously supported by STMA’s official awards sponsors Carolina Green Corp., CoverMaster, Hunter Industries, Scotts TurfSeed, Turface, and World Class Athletic Surfaces.
Take pride in your profession and submit your application for STMA Field of the Year and get recognition for your field and respect from your peers. For more information or to download an application, please log on to www.stma.org or call (800) 323-3875. Remember the deadline for materials to be received is Oct. 15, 2007 .
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